The science of shared calm: How smartwatches help parents teach emotional regulation
There’s a developmental stage when kids “borrow” self-regulation from their parents. Here’s how families and researchers are using smartwatches in that process.
Kids aren’t born knowing how to manage emotions, time or routines—the part of the brain that holds those self-regulation skills doesn’t develop until they’re older. But there’s a stage of development where kids need to practice these skills alongside parents and caregivers. And that practice happens through a collaborative process known as co-regulation.
Co-regulation often means modeling calm behavior and responsive, supportive communication when kids are emotionally upset or struggling with focus—for example, when your eight-year-old can’t do their homework unless you’re sitting right there. They’re still learning how to go from one thing to the next, and your presence helps them “borrow” your focus until they can access their own.
Recent research with neurodivergent families shows that when parents and kids use smartwatches or other wearable tech together, they can support more efficient before- and after-school routines, smoother transitions between activities and improved emotional regulation.
The results of our recent Parenting in a Digital World survey of Verizon families backs that up. Parents said they’re noticing more signs of independence after their kids started wearing the Verizon Gizmo Watch 3.
Each of these examples is co-regulation in action. So, we asked two parenting experts for four ways wearable tech can help families and kids make that transition to self-regulation.
1. From setting every rule to co-creating the routine
Bea Moise, cognitive specialist and digital parenting coach, used the Gizmo Watch to help her manage her kids’ after-school and weekend routines. The watch’s built-in reminders made transitions easier between screentime, homework and bedtime.
Co-regulation: Instead of programming your child’s every task, ask your child to help map out an after-school routine. Then, set up smartwatch reminders together—snack, homework, wind down—so they have ownership of the routine.
2. From monitoring their emotions to supporting them
When kids can name a feeling and why, they start figuring out what to do when big emotions come up. Franceli Cibrian, Ph.D., assistant professor at the Fowler School of Engineering at Chapman University, has studied the link between smartwatches, wearable tech and co-regulation. Her research recommends using simple smartwatch mood apps to prompt those check-ins during the day. Parents can then use this data to help kids spot any patterns or changes in mood that arise over time.
Co-regulation: Feeling angry, upset or agitated once in a while isn’t cause for concern, says Cibrian. But if you notice a pattern—like a spike in anxiety, anger or fatigue that happens at the same time every day—ask what might help your child manage that situation. Is there too much noise? An energy crash that might be helped with a snack? Use the data and insights to brainstorm some solutions.
3. From crossing off to-do lists to celebrating success
In Cibrian’s research, kids used wearable trackers to log routines and track habits. Families also talked about how different visual representations of success—such as graphs, color changes or characters—motivated them to continue making progress toward their goals. The key was turning small wins into little high fives.
Co-regulation: Ask your child how they’d like to see their progress. Turn the data into something tangible you can experience together. Maybe it’s a streak, a growing plant or a shared celebration when the week’s goals are met. The focus isn’t on the result, but the effort and consistency you made together.
4. From carrying the mental load to sharing it
Our Parenting in a Digital World survey found that one of the most common ways kids show their independence through their smartwatches is by asking for a ride. For Moise, the calendar-sharing function in her and her kid’s smartwatch helps her coordinate rides and other aspects of scheduling, without her carrying the mental load alone.
Co-regulation: Instead of texting reminders all day, Moise uses smartwatch alerts for upcoming tasks or appointments. “I appreciate that [the smartwatch] serves as an extra tool for parenting, helping me remember things so I don't feel so drained or fatigued at the end of the day,” she says.
It’s collaborative parenting, too.
Smartwatches can make routines easier, but experts say it all depends on how parents use them.
“Parents play a crucial role in supporting children’s self-regulation and emotional development,” says Cibrian. “The technology provides some support, but the conversations and negotiations behind the scenes—where families collaboratively discuss and adjust goals and rewards—are what actually lead to self-regulation skills.”
We got you: You’re there for them with the Gizmo Watch 3. Verizon’s there for you—including our 3-year price lock.*
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